UAE Embassy in Washington, DC hosts interfaith iftar, highlights shared values

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Jul 26, 2017, 12:56 ET

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last month, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba hosted an interfaith iftar at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC for over 100 religious, community and government leaders. Attendees witnessed the traditional breaking of the fast, and learned more about the values that are cherished and shared during the sacred month of Ramadan.

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba (2nd from right) hosts interfaith Iftar at the UAE embassy in DC with prominent Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other religious leadership, highlighting shared values. (Embassy of the United Arab Emirates-Washington, DC)

"While visibly, it is food and water that we abstain from, Ramadan is about much more than that," said Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba. "I like to think of Ramadan as a New Year. It is a time to reset and reflect."

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba spoke about the traditions of Ramadan and the importance of coming together during this holy month. He also highlighted that the 19^th day of Ramadan is particularly important for Emiratis, who mark the day as "Zayed Humanitarian Work Day" and celebrate and honor the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

"Sheikh Zayed embodied the values we celebrate this month, including generosity, compassion and tolerance," he said. "While the values I've mentioned are especially important in Ramadan, they transcend culture and religion. These are values we hold dear in the UAE, where we welcome people from all backgrounds and religions."

Congressman Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) spoke at the iftar, highlighting the importance of creating a sense of community among different people, and to learn more about one another.

Prominent imams and rabbis who participated in a recent American Caravan for Peace mission to Abu Dhabi, including Sheikh Hamza Yusef, President of Zaytuna College and Vice President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, also attended the iftar.

Other special guests included senior US Government officials and community leaders.

Commenting on the wide-ranging backgrounds of the leaders who were gathered at the UAE Embassy for iftar, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said, "This diversity is what makes the UAE great, and what makes us who we are today. We wouldn't be the country we are today without the hundreds of nationalities and faiths that practice in the UAE and call the country their home."

Contact:
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
Washington, DC
(202) 243-2448
[email protected]

SOURCE Embassy of the United Arab Emirates